Diabetes self-management training

Diabetes can lead to serious complications:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Kidney disease
• Blindness
• Amputations

The good news is that people can manage diabetes and avoid complications when armed with information and support.

Who is at risk

• Being overweight is a primary risk factor for pre-diabetes. The more fatty tissue you have — especially around your abdomen — the more resistant your cells become to insulin.
• A waist size for men larger than 40 inches and for women larger than 35 inches.
• Eating red meat and processed meat, and drinking sugar-sweetened beverages, is associated with a higher risk of pre-diabetes.
• Being inactive.
• Although diabetes can develop at any age, the risk of pre-diabetes increases after age 45.
• Having a parent or sibling with type 2 diabetes.
• Being African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Asian-American or Pacific Islander.
• Having gestational diabetes or giving birth to a baby who weighed more than 9 pounds.
• Having polycystic ovary syndrome.
• Having obstructive sleep apnea working changing shifts or night shifts.

Am I at Risk?

Symptoms

Classic signs and symptoms that suggest you've moved from pre-diabetes to type 2 diabetes include:

• Increased thirst
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Blurred vision

What you can do

• Go to the self-management training.
• Ask lots of questions.
• Get to know your care team – your PCP, dietitian, diabetes care doctor, eye doctor, foot doctor, kidney doctor, pharmacist and counselor.
• Work with your care team to make a diabetes plan that will work for you.
• Test your blood sugar as directed and keep a record.

Blood Glucose Log

Preventive service at no cost

It’s important to receive services when you’re first diagnosed. There are three other times it can help you manage your diabetes that include at your yearly follow-up visits with your doctor, if health complications arise, and when changes in your care occur.

Why the program is important

It can help you understand diabetes and how to control it. Diabetics that know how to manage the condition are less likely to have severe complications.

What the program is

Led by a diabetes educator, topics may include:

• Understanding diabetes and diabetes treatment
• Healthy eating
• Being physically active
• Taking medicine
• Checking your blood sugar
• Reducing your risk for other health problems
• Learning to cope with stress, depression, and other concerns

Treatment

Treatment will depend on your diabetes control and any complications that you have. Your treatment plan may change over time so it is important that you go to all of your doctor appointments as scheduled.

Additional tips

• Gather as much information as you can about diabetes.
• Take your medication as directed, even if you feel fine.
• Lower your stress.

Additional Resources

• Food and Activity Tracker